Lori's A.M. Buzz: Spend, spy and slip

By
Washington Post editors

Good morning.

Today's agenda: We've got Germany versus Spaintoday in World Cup semi-final action. Just in case you were in a betting mood: Paul, the octopus who loves soccer, predicts a victory for Spain. (Wonder if he does lotto numbers?)

Spy talk. We may learn more about the evidence officials have gathered in connection with the suspected Russian spies arrested last week. They're in court today.

$$$. And looks like folks are out spending again -- retail sales look like they're up slightly. We'll have more on that later this morning on Frank Ahrens' Economy Watch blog.

Withering weather. What else have we got? Oh yeah, weather. Hot again today, but cooler (only in the 90s!) Thursday, Capital Weather Gang says. There's also a chance of showers on Thursday, which unfortunately means -- humidity.

Grease is the word. The Post's early morning reporter, Mike McPhate, is out at the scene of a used-grease spill -- the kind you cook with -- and reports are that it's getting smelly out there. Check back for his reports, and photos from early-morning photographer Gerald Martineau, from the slippery U Street area in Northwest.

Airport expansion? There's talk about expanding the number of long-haul flights from Reagan National Airport. Might seem like a good idea if you've ever had to make the long drive out to Dulles or BWI, but if you live near the airport you probably have a different view. A group of Western senators is pushing a plan to expand service saying the increased competition could lead to lower airfares. But Virginia's two senators, Jim Webb and Mark Warner , are not pleased.

Tuition trouble. An internal report has uncovered an additional $273,000 in tuition assistance program abuses in Montgomery County, the Washington Examiner reports. This time, police officers were allegedly taking classes during their regular workday, which is a violation of county rules.

Metro death: an accident. Metro officials say no foul play is suspected in the death of a law student from William and Mary College, who was struck and killed by an Orange Line train July 4, Officials say they believe 28-year-old Joseph Doyle accidentally fell onto the tracks.

Pentagon Metro changes reviewed. Also Pentagon officials will review proposed changes to security at the Pentagon Metro station, amid concerns by Virginia officials that the changes could create hazards for passengers.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading. Check back with us for updates on World Cup soccer, Russian spies and the latest consumer spending report. Also, read about the new "tanning tax." Seriously. It's part of the new health care law.